Bloom, baby bloom! It's BACK: The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved annual tradition in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to the United States in 1912. However, the festival's fun has expanded beyond the National Mall to be celebrated throughout the entire DC metropolitan region - including in Fairfax County, Virginia. Each year, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a wide range of activities, including cultural performances, food vendors, educational programming, and stunning blossom displays. Here's how to experience the beauty of the blooms in all their glory right here in Fairfax County.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration at the Lab
Various dates through April 14, 2024
Photo Courtesy Children's Science Center via Facebook
Join the Children’s Science Center Lab to explore the chemistry at work behind the petal and witness how capillary action can help flowers become acid-base indicators. Other activities include creating flower origami and learning the science and history of cherry blossoms while embarking on a scavenger hunt throughout the entire Lab.
Art Blooms at Mosaic
April 6 - 7, 2024
Photo credit: Katie Dance
Welcome spring with a weekend of fun-filled family activities! In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM, the Art Blooms festival at Mosaic District hosts over 90+ handmade and vintage vendors, special performances, selfie stations, and more. The event is free to attend and a complimentary shuttle service is available from the Dunn Loring Metro Station.
Hot Tip: If you love supporting small businesses and shopping with local vendors, be sure to visit Mosaic District every Sunday from 10am - 2pm (Jan-March) or 9am - 2pm (April-Dec) for the FRESHFARM Farmers Market.
Into the Woods at Frying Pan Farm Park
April 6, 2024
Experience the stunning transformations of spring on the nature trails at Frying Pan Farm Park during their Into the Woods event. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year-round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Also, explore the hidden trails near the historic meetinghouse. For additional information, call the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center.
Spring Garden Market at Historic River Farm
April 12-13, 2024
Spring has sprung, and the Spring Garden Market at Historic River Farm is in full bloom! With row after row of colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, and freshly-picked produce, this market is a gardener's paradise. From dainty daffodils to veggie seedlings, there's something for everyone's green thumb. Plus, you'll find garden-themed art, books, tools, and accessories. So put on your sun hat, grab a basket, and head on down to the Spring Garden Market for a day of fun in the sun! Who knows, you might just leave with a new addition to your garden.
SPRINGFIELD TOWN CENTER BLOSSOM FEST
APRIL 13, 2024
Join Springfield Town Center for their Blossom Fest on Saturday, April 13 from 11 AM – 5 PM in the parking lot outside of the Main Entrance near Restaurant Row (Near Yard House & Maggiano's). This family-friendly event allows you to stroll through the dozens of fun exhibitors outdoors at your leisure while enjoying various spring activities including live music, performances, and tons of kid’s activities.
Cherry Blossom Delights
River Sea Chocolate Factory & Cafe
Image Courtesy River Sea Chocolate Factory
River Sea Chocolate Factory & Cafe is celebrating the Cherry Blossoms in their own fashion with their seasonal special bars. Indulge in two signature bars, in admiration of the local obsession. Crafted with love, these bars feature organic cacao sourced from Tanzania, infused with a blend of cherry, jasmine, rose, and French vanilla. Who can resist? Get your hands on these bars here.
Blossom Brews - Weird Brothers Coffee, Cafe V and Compass Coffee
Embrace the vibrant colors of spring and treat yourself to Cafe V's Hot Pink Blossom Latte with hues of pink and white to represent the iconic blossoms. Weird Brothers Coffee in Herndon is also welcoming spring with their specialty coffee, the Cherry Blossom Latte and Compass Coffee in Fairfax is introducing the Cherry Blossom Cream Cold Brew, a beverage as visually stunning as it is delicious. You can also purchase the Cherry Blossom Blend with hints of vibrant and floral flavors during your visit.
Urbano
Urbano is gearing up for the Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20th to April 14th with an exclusive special menu. Your taste buds will dance when they try the Spring Bloom Tacos or the Blossom Churros (a sweet ending to your meal). Join Urbano in celebrating the greatest spring festival with these irresistible menu offerings.
If you're looking for more National Cherry Blossom Festival events in and around Fairfax County, be sure to check out our official guide which has more events in the region. Happy petal peeping!
